Bike Choice Discussion Approved

I would recommend going for the ZMA (or the new ZMR) if its a out-n-out touring on the GQ. Is got everything you want.

Or else you can get the P220 DTS-i, am not very sure about the 500cc RE.

Don't quite like the ZMA in its current avatar. And waiting for the ZMR (anticipated to arrive in the festive period) might just be too late for me get the motorcycle in good shape (atleast 2000 kms or so) before the ride begins.

In the meantime, if they do launch either the ZMR or the Ninja 250 R, say by Sept end, I could definitely consider them. But as of now, the choice remains between the two listed originally in my post.

I am honestly flummoxed. Someone whose posts mention reliability so many times over does not even consider the ZMA

And what is it about the ZMA in its current avatar that is unpalatable? Maybe the words bullet proof reliability mean little

/no offence, but your posts bear little internal coherence - unless of course you're a bullet fan!

edit: OKAY, let me be a little helpful. P, R, Z are the nicknames I'll use.

1. Z > P >> R (much more so for the LB)
2. Z > P > R (Of course, if the macho style appeals, R is incomparable) - the seats can always be adjusted - I mean overall ownership stress
3. Z > P >> R (much more so for the LB)
4. R >> P = Z (I doubt "capable" mechanics for the P220 really. Bullet, even your neighborhood doodhwala will take a shot at!)
5. Bullshit. Any vehicle can take panniers. Of course, they fit best (looks wise) on bullets
6. Entirely depends on your speeds. I'd rather not answer - I'd prefer the long term owners (20k and above) to comment here only!
7. Something you don't mention in (1) - peace of mind. The kind that comes with a Honda.

Your best bet appears to be a ZMA/ZMR. Bullets, old and new have reliability issues you don't want to deal with and IMO the 220 isn't as comfortable in the long haul.

You could create a cut-off date for the ZMR launch, of say 15th November. If it doesn't launch by then, buy the next bike on the list.

In the meantime, try to ride a ZMA for more than a casual test ride, if you haven't already. Chances are, you'll get over your dislike for it and it will grow on you.

What should help you decide is what you'll do after you finish this ride. If you're going to live up to your moniker, then there really isn't a match for the ZMA.

i read your requirements

My humble suggestion is the best bike that satisfies your criteria more better would be Zma . Try to get a ZMa from your friends and drive aorund 100 km . If you dont like it then cut it out of your list , no more confusions ..

As per your requirements, the closest and the best would be Zma-R

Karizma anyday.
Just upgrade the bulb, battery and horn.

two choices:
1. Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-i (OTR ~ 79k) : CHOP-OFF this option, you'll regret.
2. Royal Enfield 500 LB (OTR ~ 117k) : Also consider ZMA R...


1. Reliability : Bullet sucks on long rides. ZMA (kickstart) scores over P220 here.
2. Stress free ride : ZMA or P220. Bullet = 99% Stress.
3. Capable machinery : No comments here.
4. Service points en-route : ZMA or Bullet. You cant trust any mech for a P220.
5. Load-carrying capacity : I'll say any bike can do this, even a Splendor/Discover.
6. Fuel Efficiency : ZMA scores better than other two on long runs, minimum 40 kmpl. with a well kept ZMA.
7. Any others : you think, afterall you gonna own it.
8. Also consider RTR180, awesome machine, will satisfy all your above mentioned needs.

I hope that confuses you well...

Well,I thought 2009 Pulsar 220 DTS-I and service,spares will not be an issue since Bajaj network is good all over India.

ZMA or P220 a very hard choice, Decide it!

i am also stuck here in the same situation.

Ok, I can see a deluge of suggestions already. Many many thanks for sparing time out of your schedules to look at my needs and suggest options. Really appreciate it!

I have never doubted ZMA's touring capability, having ready tons of stories about it already. Its just that I've never personally developed a liking for it, please don't ask me why! It is sometimes difficult to justify a dislike for certain things! Someone suggested keep a cut-off date of 15th November, now that's a good suggestion. I thought about this myself and perhaps is a good idea to exercise more options in the near future. So, instead of being hell-bent on a Sept end deadline, I'm prepared to keep 15th November as a deadline. But beyond that it's got to be the choice between the P220 and the 500 LB. Gives me some breathing space to collect the moolah too .

What I'd honestly like to hear and more specifically from P220 and 500 LB owners is their own experience with the respective motorcycles over a long haul (lets say 500 kms or so in a day kinda ride). I don't think there is any motorcycle in the whole of this world, let alone India, that does not have niggling issues to deal with. I also do not believe that the P220 or the 500 LB will fall off to pieces on a long ride! I also do not believe that the ZMA would be hassle-free all the way on the GQ ride. ~ 6500 kms in less than 25 days is going to be quite an ask for any motorcycle, be it from any manufacturer. I have done many a rides/drives in the past and understand that the best of the machinery can fail at any point in time.

If you can accomodate and grow passion for Bullet ,Consider Buying Bullet LB 500.As a Bullet Rider(CI 350) ,I can tell you it is a great experience riding a Bullet for Long Journeys(My Journeys were always under 600kms till now).It keeps Going On and On with Loads of Luggages.Just that I have not much idea how it copes up in extreme High Altitudes(Carb Jet Adjustment) like Leh-Ladakh trips and Very Challenging Roads.Most of My Trips are through National Highways.

from "Road Trip " of ndtv goodtimes.I used to watch it.
YouTube - At Lachungla base, Leh looks far away


Another Thing is ,LB500 and CI Bullets are Doing their last run of Production AFAIK.Getting One to Keep for Future is a Great Idea.Spares ,Hopefully will not be a issue.

500 lb

We had a 500 LB. We needed to ride from Mumbai to Kolhapur to pick up gsferrari's ZMA-R. Me and him (combined weight of ~240 kilos) did the Mumbai-Kolhapur run on the 500 LB, through Pune city (missed the bypass) and flew past the scenery to Kolhapur. I rode the 500 LB back the next day. The ZMA-R was pretty quick all the way back, but the 500 LB kept her company without letting a sizeable gap develop. The 500 LB did not stutter, groan, hiss or go kaput in mid-day temperatures for 6+hrs at speeds in excess of 90kmph on the open road. With and without pillion. I was and am impressed by the 500 LB's touring ability. It stands out as an old school frame given new life by the LB engine. It's what I will always pick to tour. The ZMA-R is hugely capable, and is probably what everybody will suggest for any touring/strafing/street commute etc. But I echo your disinterest with it, for me, its just too uninvolved. Its a great bike for the money, and probably the sanest choice even with the new Yam's in the market, but I wouldn't get one. I'd get the 500 LB(As we cannot talk about the Harley's until 2010). With a little wrenching, the 500 LB's mysteries come unraveled. It's not as messy as the std 350's (I should know, I have one). Its got bucketloads of torque delivery throughout the rev range and pulls like a locomotive for days. It's what you'll wake up at 3 am to go for an impromptu ride on. It's exhaust note will be your new ringtone. It's power will make you feel 8 feet tall. Just get better seats and a louder horn...and some earplugs for when you are touring. More recently, a friend went up Marsimik-la on the 500 as well. Its very literally been there and done that, and lived to tell the tale. There were issues, but no deal-breakers.

Some cons:
1. Seat is too soft for touring. Your rear will dig in and you'll get tired of it very quickly. Firm it up with coir and you'll be fine.
2. Although it is quick, its still on huge rims and the oldest frame we know and love. Cannot pretend it is agile enough to utilise the speed safely.
3. Rear gas-filled shock absorbers are better than the old ones, but you should still get them set up for your weight and adjusted for any load. Slight miscalculation will result in a boingy wonkiness that is pretty scary.

I won't talk of the P220 at all, I believe the saying goes, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. So if its between them, I'd choose the 500 LB for touring/street commutes/Sunday afternoon wash'n'wax sessions/Sunday midnight joyride/walk downstairs to answer "that" phone-call while sitting on it/warn building kids to stay away from it/voodoo-curse birds that defecate on it/and just about anything else.

Cheers,